St. Paul Monthly Messenger January 2013

The January Messenger

is sponsored in memory of

Arnold Higgin’s 90th birthday

(Jan. 14th) given by Lela

Higgins, Darlene Higgins and

Diane & Les Maxson.

St. Paul Lutheran Church

4941 W. Center St.

Millington, MI 48746

www.stpaul-millington.org

989-871-4581

E-mail: churchoffice@spmill.org

Rev. James Bruner

Rev. Kirk Abatelli

A Message from Pastor Abatelli

“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,

You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to Your people Israel.”

(NIV 1984)

I picture the Baby playing with Simeon’s beard, as if

Jesus were thanking Him for what He said. Mary and Jo-

seph were surprised about such great words to speak about their Child that He was God’s salvation. Simeon

waited a lifetime for this moment and it had arrived. A Savior was here.

Having made his triumphant declaration, Simeon seemed spent. He blessed them and silently gazed into

the face of that Child in his arms before tenderly placing

the precious baby back into His mother’s care. Then Simeon looked at Jesus’ mother and said words that

struck the soul:

Here is what this Child is appointed for: Many in Is-rael will fall and rise again because of Him and He’ll

be a sign that many will talk against, to show what they are thinking in their hearts. And a sword will

pierce your own soul, too (AAT).

What is Simeon saying? This Child, Christ is a stum-bling block for those who disbelieve, but to those who

believe in what He did on the cross, Christ will rise up.

People will speak against Him because they do not want what He gives, forgiveness, but what is in their own sin-

ful hearts. Mary will experience great anguish because of what this Child is to do when He grows up. He will die on

a cross and rise to life again to give forgiveness, salva-tion, life and with that, joy. What joy this Messiah gives

that changes our lives.

The words of Simeon pierce us too, and it is unavoid-able. Do we just let what Joy Christ gives go by and do

nothing? We have to respond to what has been revealed to us in this Child like Simeon did, for that Child and what

that Child did is the hope that gave Simeon joy and life.

In Christ, Pastor Abatelli

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jesus was still in diapers when Mary and Joseph

brought Him to the Temple in Jerusalem, to present Him before God. They went to offer a sacrifice that God re-

quires in the Law. Simeon was there in the temple and it

seemed he spent a lot of time there. If one looked at Simeon he would see that Simeon was a devout man

and righteous, not because of anything he did but what He knew God was going to do. The Holy Spirit did reveal

to him that he would not die until he saw Christ. He was not driven by guilt and always seemed filled with joy

and anticipation, waiting to meet God personally in the

crowds. It seems our own expectations or feelings at times

are directly opposite of Simeon’s. We sometimes do not want to encountere God in the crowds because that

would make us face the secrets we don’t want anyone

else to know. We are not always ready for that. What was Simeon’s secret? What could make some-

one so excited about God despite sin? Simeon managed to be holy without mustiness or pretension. Sure he was

old and frail but his ancient bones seemed to vibrate with life. His weathered features somehow struck as a

temporary restriction on a soul of boundless energy and

joy. His faithfulness to God and his eagerness over God’s plans for us sinners, make us wonder, how we

can be like Simeon. He has a reason to be here. Then one day Simeon spotted Him. A couple with a

Baby and a sacrifice offering, made their way though

the temple. The crowds did not notice anything special about that young family or Baby, but Simeon seemed to

know them. Mary and Joseph, I believe, were surprised that this

old man came running up to them excited. His face

glowed as he stood before them, looking at this Babe. This couple was even more surprised that Simeon, a

stranger, took the Baby from their arms. Any parent would be. Yet, surprisingly, the parents let Simeon take

Him, as if they knew Jesus would be safe in his arms. Simeon began to praise God shouting:

January 2013

St. Paul Lutheran Church & School

4941 W. Center St.

Millington, MI 48746

Return Address Requested

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage Paid

Millington, MI

Permit No. 6

SNOWFLAKES

Sometime if this winter you go Abroad to see the falling snow- You will find to your surprise

That a trillion flakes will greet your eyes.

Swirling, dancing in the day, Who could make them quite this way?

Each one new, six sides on all, Each reflects light as they fall.

No two ever found alike With lace and rays and sculptured spike.

Here one moment, then they melt, But what a silent scene is felt!

Discern in those dear tiny flakes The face of God who nature makes

To please His children and show His love To all the world from heaven above.

Christine Fitzgerald

Calendar of Events

UPCOMING SCRAPBOOK EVENT

Saturday, January 12th

9AM-7PM in the St. Paul Parish Hall

Pre register $5.00 per person or $10.00 at the door.

Great Food! Great Fun! Make New Friends!

....and Prizes too! Bring your own stamping &/or scrapbook supplies,

a dish to pass and beverages if you want other than coffee or H2O.

A Representative from Stampin’ Up, Creative Memories,

and Scrapbooker’s Hideaway will be set up with supplies, lessons, “how-to’s” and ideas. Items can be purchased.

PLEASE R.S.V.P. – in the school office,

or with Susan Jensen 871-4866 or at jenco33@yahoo.com

SCRAPBOOKING MAKES MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME….JESUS MAKES MEMORIES THAT LAST FOREVER!

Storyhour Storyhour for preschool children on Tuesday OR Wednes-day mornings from 9-11AM in the Youth Room. We will

not meet when there is no school, such as holidays or snow days. Call Lori Osborn if questions 989-205-9873.

Quilting Tuesdays from 1-3PM in the Parish Hall

Zumba Tuesdays at 6:15PM beginning Jan. 8th and Saturdays at

8AM beginning Jan. 5th in the Activity Center. A devo-tion and prayer are shared to help us exercise both body

and soul. We are asking everyone to give $2.00 for each class attended, or you can save $4.00 by paying $20.00

for a winter session pass for 12 classes on Tuesdays or Saturdays. You can miss 2 classes and still pay less than

if you pay $2.00 each week.

AA Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30PM in the Council Room. For more information con-

tact Gary 989-710-6637.

Heroes Will resume Feb. 5th at 7:30PM.

Epiphany Sun., Jan. 6th

Messenger/Calendar Deadline

Friday, January 18th

New Year’s Eve Lock-In

“It’s Always a Good Time!” New Year’s Eve Celebra-

tion for 8th-12th graders at St. Paul. Come celebrate the New Year in a fun way playing games, singing, devotions

and small prayer groups. We will be starting Mon., Dec. 31st at 1PM and going until Tues., Jan 1st at 10AM. We

will have hot dogs, chips, fruit & veggies for lunch, pizza for dinner, snacks later in the evening, and donuts & fruit

for breakfast. Advance tickets are $5.00 or $10.00 at the

door. Bring your own pillow/sleeping bag if you don’t think you can make it through the night. There will be

chaperones. Any questions, please call Katrina 871-2660 or email wagerted@yahoo.com or call Laura Gleim 871-

4581. Donations are needed. Please give to the church

office. Thank you!

St. Paul Annual Fish Fry Sun., Jan. 27th from 11AM-2:30PM

All-you-care-to-eat Menu: Fried & Baked Fish, French Fries,

Homemade Macaroni & Cheese, Hot Vegetables, Cold Salads,

Rolls, and Dessert

Prices: Adults: $10.00; Ages 5-12: $5.00

4 & Under: Free Take Out Available

St. Paul hosts Breakfast Club Fri., Jan. 11th at 7AM

*****

Offices Closed The offices will be closed for the holiday

Dec. 31st and Jan. 1st.

Lent Begins Ash Wednesday Wed., Feb. 13th

Worship Services at 4 & 7PM Soup Supper 5-6:30PM

January

Schedule Acolytes

Greeters First Sunday 8:30AM Shirley Petzold, Ken & Kathy Ill

11:00AM Les & Diane Maxson, Ron & Olga Nims Second Sunday 8:30AM

11:00AM LuAnn Licavoli, Wayne & Luanne Jaruzel Third Sunday 8:30AM Dianne Scarborough, Natalie Smith

11:00AM Rosie Horning, Dale & Pam Hanlin

Fourth Sunday 8:30AM Jim Bickel 11:00AM Evelyn Gregory, Anna Tuttle

Fifth Sunday 8:30AM Donna Torrey 11:00AM Steve & Nila Schmandt

Second Saturday 7:30PM Bill Bleuer & Betty Bleuer

Greeter Subs – Denise Miller (871-2675), Sherry Sebert (871-3084)

Ushers 7:30PM Larry Beagle, Captain Jan Snyder, Jim Jaruzel, Ed Keinath

8:30AM Dennis Rodammer - Captain; Dwight Keinath - Assistant

Michael Albert, Ken Auernhammer, Corey Harry, Mitchel Ill, Russell Ill, Ryan Ill, Luke Platt, Eugene Weiss, Bud Zeck, Mike Ziegler

11:00AM Richard Harpst - Captain; Jay Rodammer - Assistant

Heath Keinath, Andrew Maschke, John Petzold, Hans Schmandt, Michael Sherman, Rick Sherman, Adam Wolverton, Randy Wolverton

Church Sextons

Mathew & Angela Ayotte Ted & Katrina Wager Ron & Ruth Mieske Rod & Nancy Wilson

Ed & Marcia Keinath

Thank you to everyone who in any way volunteers their time to help with the worship services. May your servant heart continue to bless those you serve at St. Paul.

January

5 7:30PM Alyssa Okorowski & Dustin Sebert

6 8:30AM Katherine Weber & Duane

6 11AM Corey Daenzer & Tim

12 7:30PM Mason Lugg

13 8:30AM Sydney & Dustin Bishop

13 11AM Lillie Flach

19 7:30PM Ericka White & Brian

20 8:30AM Tyler Bentley & Brian

20 11AM Jakob & Lukas Selich

26 7:30PM

27 8:30AM Maylynne Wager & Ted

27 11AM Shane & Owen Reinig

January

Birthdays in our

St. Paul Family

David Daniel 1/1

Charles Haley 1/1

Mark Reinertson 1/1

Marie Saeger 1/1

Kirsten Skouson 1/1

Adrian Bishop 1/2

Tyler Hibbard 1/2

Mark Raymond 1/2

Kaiden Rueckert 1/2

Dawn Rueger 1/2

Joshua Schuler 1/2

Cathy Beagle 1/3

Tyler Bentley 1/3

Cathleen Bloor 1/3

Evelyn Gregory 1/3

Carol Kammer 1/3

Gailan Kester 1/3

Debra Nitz 1/3

Marlene Stratton 1/3

Shelly Cobb 1/4

Lela Higgins 1/4

Alexander Keinath 1/4

Janice Schiefer 1/4

James Wood 1/4

Keith Frasier 1/5

Dwayne Rose 1/5

Carol Schwab 1/5

Andrew Selich 1/5

Elizabeth Coleman 1/6

Cody Mason 1/6

Willard Petzold 1/6

Linda Rohde 1/6

Michael Sherman 1/6

Eugene Ziegler 1/6

Kenneth Cunningham 1/7

William Earl 1/7

Kathleen Hergenreder 1/7

Leta Brown 1/8

Blake Erlenbeck 1/8

Lonnie Kester 1/8

Tina White 1/8

Lisa Aulbert 1/9

Phillip Gordon 1/9

Brenda Keinath 1/9

John Kowitz 1/9

Bethany Reinert 1/9

Penny Schoenknecht 1/9

Mark Wyman 1/9

Jerrit Baker 1/10

Sarah Burns 1/10

Donna Mulka 1/10

William Rosebush 1/10

Lukas Selich 1/10

Kody Steepe 1/10

Marcus H. Jensen Jr. 1/11

Cheyanne St. Onge 1/11

Benjamin Wittum 1/11

Shelley Coon 1/12

Philip Erickson 1/12

Richard Gross 1/12

Shelly Holmes 1/12

Roger Keinath 1/12

Zachary Mills 1/12

Haley Radisovich 1/12

Wyatt Reinert 1/12

Lana Schultz 1/12

Russell Sherman 1/12

Shannon Wyman 1/12

Timothy Daenzer 1/13

Todd List 1/13

Toni Morel 1/13

Anthony Folino 1/14

Jillian Muehlenbeck 1/14

Kevin Whaley 1/14

Martha Eberlein 1/15

Gerald Keinath 1/15

Steven Kennard 1/15

Gabrielle Sergent 1/15

Grace Brown 1/16

Alan Draper 1/16

David Engelhart 1/16

Robert McClenathen 1/16

Kenneth Reinert 1/16

Nicole Smith 1/16

LeeAnn Wagner 1/16

Dustin Bishop 1/17

Samantha Bishop 1/17

Sydney Bishop 1/17

Nicholas Cassidy 1/17

Bill Garrett 1/17

Seth Keinath 1/17

Constance Daenzer 1/18

Evan Damm 1/18

Jason Damm 1/18

Terri Keinath 1/18

Andrew Maschke 1/18

Nancy Petzold 1/18

Michael Schiefer 1/18

Jeanette Smith 1/18

Don Stange 1/18

Richard Harpst 1/19

Addyson Licavoli 1/19

Susan Lyons 1/19

Ciara Mason 1/19

Gailan Reinert 1/19

Theodore Wager 1/19

Ronald White 1/19

Gary Woelzlein 1/19

Connie Balcom 1/20

Montgomery Carlyon 1/20

Joy Cassidy 1/20

Richard Glady 1/20

Carol Hagan 1/20

Thomas Meeks 1/20

Heather O’Hearn 1/20

Dana Schember 1/20

Kaylie Snyder 1/20

Anthony Wagner 1/20

Heidi Woolwine 1/20

Abigail Brown 1/21

Daniel DeOrnellas 1/21

Shannon Huber 1/21

Diane Maxson 1/21

Christopher Smith 1/21

Christopher Washburn 1/21

Nicholas Gunter 1/22

Paul Hunt 1/22

Philip Morrow 1/22

Luke Petzold 1/22

Keith Brown II 1/23

Nicholas Corrigan 1/23

Michael Derscha 1/23

Kenneth Gorsuch 1/23

Cory Hunt 1/23

Kyle Koch 1/23

Leah Rader 1/23

Jodie Reed 1/23

Aaron Schiefer 1/23

RaeAnn Henderson 1/24

Boyden McClenathen 1/24

Kandace Milostan 1/24

Adam Schmidt 1/24

Aaron Staple 1/24

Christine Damon 1/25

Courtney Derscha 1/25

Amber Inman 1/25

Loraine H. Petzold 1/25

Ron Petzold 1/25

Donna Stange 1/25

Fred Trinklein 1/25

George Whittaker 1/25

Ashley Wisenbach 1/25

James Brueggemann Sr. 1/26

Wilfred Schultz 1/26

Joshua White 1/26

David Kern 1/27

Paul Petzold 1/27

Brynnlee Watts 1/27

Lon Coleman 1/28

Karen Dumler 1/28

Martin Snover 1/28

Dustin Griesing 1/29

Brittany Hunt 1/29

Joel Petzold 1/29

Stacie Ramsey 1/29

God’s Richest

Blessings on Your

Birthday!

Kyrian Thomason 1/29

Michael White 1/29

Lynn Borcherding 1/30

Ricky Horning 1/30

Ellen Reinertson 1/30

Chelsea Torrey 1/30

Judith Warner 1/30

Julie Weiss 1/30

Michael Ziegler 1/30

Gary Balcom 1/31

Emily Petzold 1/31

Sheryl Schiefer 1/31

Keven Washburn 1/31

Spiritual News

JanuaryScripture Readings January 6th

Jeremiah 33:1-16 I Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

January 13 Malachi 3:1-7b

Philippians 1:2-11 Luke 3:1-20

January 20 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 7:18-35

January 27 Micah 5:2-5a

Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-56

Musical Opportunities Handbells

Mondays at 7PM

Worship Band

Mondays at 6PM

Church Choir Wednesdays at 6:53PM

Worship Team

Wednesdays at 6:30PM

Praise Team

Thursdays at 6:15PM

Meetings

Council Wed., Jan. 2nd at 7PM

Stephen Ministry Mondays at 7PM

Dorcas Wed., Jan. 9th at 2:30PM Planning Committee

Evangelism Tues., Jan. 15th at 6:30PM

Trustees Sun., Jan. 20th at 7PM

Christian Care Sun., Jan. 27th 9:30AM

Elders Wed., Jan. 23rd at 7:30 PM

New Member Welcome Everyone is invited to meet our newest members and confirmands Sun., Jan. 6th at 9:45AM in the Parish Hall.

Servant Celebration Sun., Jan. 6th at 9:45AM in the Parish Hall.

Please join us as we celebrate the retirement of our faithful servants Elmer Snover, Rodger & Judy Grulke,

and Nancy Wilson. We have been blessed by all of your

hard work and you will be truly missed.

Adult Confirmation

Sun., Jan. 6th in the 11AM service.

Prayer Requests Your prayer requests and needs are important to you and us. During the week, you can call the office to share

your request. If you have a need over the weekend, the most efficient method will be to speak to the Sexton or

Elder on duty before the worship service. He will relay

the information to the pastor(s). In an emergency Pastor Bruner’s cell phone is (989-233-1994).

Breakfast Club Breakfast Club for 9th-12th graders at Millington High School every Friday at 7AM in the cafeteria. Students

have breakfast and a devotion before starting school. St. Paul hosts Breakfast Club on Fri., Jan. 11th.

Donations needed: Eggs, Shredded Cheese, Sausage, Tortilla Shells, Salsa, Chocolate Milk, Orange Juice, Apple

Juice or Monetary Donations. If you can help in any way please call Laura Gleim 871-4581.

Don Haines Memorial Scholarship Don Haines, lifelong resident of Arbela Township, be-stowed a positive influence on his family to pursue their

dreams by committing to and reinforcing the importance of a college education. While Don did not pursue this

himself, he and his wife, Barbara, raised their children to

believe that with a college education they would be able to do whatever they wanted to do in life.

Through the positive reinforcement received and the fi-

nancial support of Don and Barbara, all four of their chil-dren, who attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Milling-

ton, pursued and received their college degrees. There-fore, it is fitting that a fund has been established by the

family, for future St. Paul graduates who pursue a degree

at an accredited LCMS synodical college, university, or seminary. Any student who qualifies may read the re-

quirements needed to apply. Applications are available in the Church Office.

Bible Studies

Adult Instruction Classes Ever wonder who the real Jesus is? What Christian-ity is really about? Are there questions about Christian-

ity you wish a Christian would just answer? Beginning Sun., Feb. 3rd you are invited to the

classes called “Myth or Faith.” We invite you to come

and learn and have your questions answered about Christ. This class is for anyone interested in exploring

the truth about who we are here as Christians and any-one who wants to have those tough questions an-

swered. Classes will be held between services at

9:45AM in the Projects Room. After completing the classes, if you have the desire

to become a part of our church family, you can become a member of St. Paul. If you are interested in these

“Myth or Faith” classes, please call our church office at 989-871-4581 ext. 3 so we can prepare materials at no

cost for you. We are looking forward to meeting you.

9:45AM Sunday Morning Adult Bible Studies

Background of the Bible – Learning About the Gift of Prayer - Led by Pastor Bruner in the Parish Hall.

Lutheranism 101 – Led by Ed White in the Library.

High School Bible Study – Led by Laura Gleim in the

Youth Room.

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study We have an open invitation to any and all men (teens through non-teens) to attend a casual Bible Study hosted

by David Kaiser on the first Saturday of every month. I challenge you to dedicate one and one half hours of your

time to your Lord and Savior every month other than on

Sunday morning. We will be following the Heroes of the Faith Bible Study, focusing on the topic “Intrepid”. The

Bible Study will begin at 7:30 AM. Coffee, juice, milk, and doughnuts will be served.

Our next meeting date will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 and our

“Hero” will be Samson. Homework: Please read Judges, chapters 13-16.

Mark your calendars:

February 2, 2013 Heroes: Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego

Homework: Daniel, Chap. 3

March 2, 2013 Hero: Daniel Homework: Daniel, Chap. 1, 2, 6

Treasure Principle

As you begin to think about a New Year’s Resolu-

tion, maybe you are thinking about attending a Bible Study or perhaps getting finances in order. St. Paul Lutheran

Church would like to help you. A new set of Bible Studies

will be offered for the winter semester at St. Paul. We will be offering a two-day financial seminar on cheerful giving

called the Treasure Principle. The format of the class in-cludes viewing a DVD and then small group discussion to

follow each clip.

This will be taking place on Fri., Jan. 11th and Sat., Jan. 12th, 2013. The Friday night session will run from 6-9PM

while the Saturday afternoon session will run from 2-5PM.

Each session will be approximately three hours and lunch or dinner will be provided at no cost. Sign up by Dec. 31st

on the glass case in the narthex or call David Kaiser 823-3111. There is a small fee of $10 per individual or couple to

cover the cost of materials.

“October Baby” October Baby Movie Alert!!! As the curtain rises, Hannah steps onto the stage…only to collapse mo-

ments later. Countless medical tests all point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. The doctor’s

diagnosis is nothing compared to her parents’ revela-

tion: Hannah was adopted – after a failed abortion attempt.

Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah begins an

incredible journey with Jason, her oldest friend. As she searches to discover her hidden past and find hope for

her unknown future, Hannah realizes life can be so much more than you’ve planned.

To coincide with Life Sunday, St. Paul Lutheran will be

showing October Baby on Sun., Jan. 20th, at 2 PM. The movie is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material and

lasts for about two hours.

Beginning Jan. 27th – 4 week Bible Study What if…everything you thought to be true in your

life was not as it seemed. October Baby is the coming-

of-age story of Hannah Lawson, a beautiful and naïve college freshman who discovers that her entire life is a

lie. Hannah sets out on a road trip to discover herself. Ultimately, she finds the freedom she has always

wanted and the true meaning of forgiveness.

We would love for you to dedicate four weeks of your time to the Lord to embark on a life-changing personal

journey through a Bible study that is built around dy-

namic movie themes and group interaction. This study will help you dig into topics like the truth about se-

crets; discovering your true identity; power of forgiveness; and the joy of restoration. Please

come and “Change the way you look at the world, your loved ones, and life itself.”

JANUARY 2013 MEMORIALS AND SPECIAL GIFTS

IN MEMORY OF Wallace Petzold

General Fund $140.00

Building Fund $110.00

To be designated by Memorial Committee $ 45.00

St. Paul Lutheran School $ 20.00

Choir Fund $ 50.00

Praise Team $140.00

IN HONOR OF the marriage of

Dwight and Lorie Keinath

Building Fund $ 50.00

General Fund $205.00

IN HONOR OF Kim and Julie Weiss

General Fund $ 25.00

IN MEMORY OF Sonja Bearss

St. Paul Lutheran School $ 5.00

IN MEMORY OF Wallace Petzold on the

occasion of his 83rd birthday

Praise Team $ 20.00

Gift to General Fund $ 25.00

Serve the Lord by Serving Others

The snow will soon be here and we are in need of

volunteers to help with the snow plowing of the church

and school parking lots. This would need to be done prior to school on weekdays and Sundays before church.

If you would like to help and serve the Lord’s house, please contact Dwight Keinath in the afternoon at 871-

3739.

Messenger Sponsors Messenger sponsors are needed for 2013. Each mailing costs $120.00 per month. Please call the church

office to reserve a month.

Flower Chart Alter flowers are needed. Please check the 2013 Flower Chart, hanging in the church hallway between

the mailboxes, for available dates. When signing up for

altar flowers, please add your name, phone number and if you would like center or side vases. Thank you.

Memorials / Miscellaneous

A New Year With The Lord A new year is about to unfold

With new opportunities to explore

Doors will open for new experiences,

New adventures with the Lord

Remember not the former things,

The things of this past year,

The Lord will do new things in us

Much more than we are aware

For He will make a way for us

As we put our trust in Him

And He will guide our every step

By His presence we have within

What God has placed within our hearts,

We find we'll be able to do

If we look for the opportunities,

We'll see the door to go through

We mustn't let anything hold us back

But rise up and take our place

And be all that God wants us to be

With a fresh touch of His grace

© By M.S.Lowndes

Kroger Rewards Thank you to everyone who signed up their Kroger Rewards for St. Paul. You earned $473.59 for our

school!

Zehnder’s Coupons Coupons valid the month of January are available in the church and school office.

2013 Lutheran Annuals Available for $22.99. If you would like to order one, please call the church office by Wed., Jan. 2nd.

Hard at work putting the Christmas lights on the church.

Carryover Deficit 10/31/12 (132,500.27) Revised difference of +467.77 November General Fund Income 109,677.87 General Fund Expenses 94,894.47 Balance 14,783.40 Ongoing Deficit to Date (Includes Line of Credit Balance Due) (117,716.87) Building Fund 11,579.71

Missions (Budgeted & Non-Budgeted) 1,276.52 T.I.M. 1,152.50 VLHS 213.19 Boiler Fund 671.69

Every year I always seem to get very stressed while working on the Giving Tree. I worry about filling all of the stars

and then another family in need calls. How can I turn them away? So, I pray as I keep hanging those stars on the tree, but that devil keeps leading me down that doubting path. How on earth could all of these stars be filled? Where

will the money come from? Will more people take stars? This year, God decided to stop my worrying and hit me on the head and said, "See, I told you that I would take care of everything!"

December 10th, I walked into the narthex to find my Giving Tree completely bare! Not one star remained on the

tree. At first I was elated and then that little devil started taking over. Maybe it was a prank, did kids take them? I have never had that happen before, what should I do? Could someone be that generous? Later that day, I discov-

ered that a couple generously took all of the stars and filled them. They had been blessed and wanted to bless oth-

ers. I actually had to call Tim & Connie Daenzer and tell them they were laid off this year from doing my shopping! The next day a young woman called to say she was dropping off a check. Expecting a small check, (which is still nice

and very needed), I carried around the envelope half of the day and didn't open it. When I finally decided to open it, I almost dropped to my knees in praise and thanksgiving and a little shock! I had to look at it a couple of times to

make sure I was seeing it correctly and there was God again saying, "See, I have you covered." The next night at soup suppers, I received another large check and throughout the month the donations kept coming in. It is amazing

how God uses His people to keep reminding us of trust.

I enjoy doing the Giving Tree, I NEED to do the Giving Tree, it helps bolster my faith. At a very busy time of year, I need this to remind me of how great our Lord and Savior and His people are and I thank God for each and every one

of you.

Whether you gave a large donation, a small donation, cookies, grocery bags, socks or offered up prayers, I thank you. All gifts gathered will help to make CHRISTmas a little brighter for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We helped 22 families, which included 73 individuals. Each family not only receives gifts, but a family basket with

household supplies, along with a gas card and a grocery card. This year we also provided some food items and, of course, a tin of homemade CHRISTmas cookies! For LCFS we delivered 19 new coats, several nice used coats, 25 sets

of sheets, 18 boxes of candy, 161 pair of socks, 142 pair of underwear, 9 t-shirts, 31 blankets & quilts, 1575 diapers,

2 boxes of wipes, 51 bath towels, 19 hand towels, 36 wash cloths, 79 dish towels, 70 dish cloths, 44 DVD's, and 46 games. These were all delivered by Carolyn and Willard Petzold. It was a tight squeeze in their van after we loaded

everything, but thankfully we didn't have to strap one of them on the roof!

St Paul members, I thank you and I am very proud of you and your giving spirit. May God richly bless you in the com-ing year. Humbly, Betty Deornellas

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity

will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.....And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you,

because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:11,12,14&15

We often report the struggling state of our deficit. November was an ex-

ample of what we can do to allow God to work through our gifts. Our gen-eral fund giving for the month of November was approximately

$15,000 more than our expenses. If we continue to allow God to use our gifts at this rate, our over $110,000 debt would be gone, and we would be

serving Him out of gifts we have on hand. Please prayerfully consider this

when we examine what gifts we give.

Giving Tree

St. Paul Lutheran School

January 2013 Welcome to the year 2013! What a better way to start the brand new year than with our Lord and Savior! We begin our journey with hearts that are open and ready for God to lovingly lead us on His path through this year no matter what it holds for each of us. The school would like to thank everyone that was able to assists us with this

year’s Children’s Christmas services… from sewing to watching students in classrooms. You, your help and your prayers were definitely gifts to all of us.

Here is a list of the up-coming school activities for January. Jan. 2 school resumes Jan. 6 Epiphany

Jan. 17 NO afternoon busses, P.T.L. Meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 ½ day of classes ~ end of the quarter dismisses at 11:10 a.m. Jan. 21 No School ~ Teacher Conference Jan. 27- Feb. 1 National Lutheran Schools Week Monday: Pajama/Weird Hair Day & Pancake Breakfast Tuesday: Senior Citizen Dress-up Day, Hymn Sing & Read-Around Day Wednesday: Prom/Princess & Princess Day & Chapel Thursday: Class Color Day & Wacky Olympics Friday: USA Day & Movie Day Sunday: Students sing at their choice of service If there is a school delay or cancellation, we will be following Millington public schools. You will get these notifications on any of the major television or radio stations in the area and through the School Reach phone system of St. Paul.

School Musical Opportunities Feb. 1 All Students for Lutheran Schools Week choice of service .

Spartan Sports Our basketball season for boys and girls on the B-teams finished last month. Congratulations to all the B-teams on seasons well played. Thank you to the coaches, fans and parents for all they did for these children. A-Team basketball starts this month. The girls start the play followed by the boys. Come

and support the children as they use their God-given talents.

January Girl’s & Boy’s A-team Basketball

Jan.17 with St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Peace, Saginaw 4:30 p.m. Jan. 29 with St. Paul, Flint 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Bethlehem, Saginaw (boys ONLY) 4:30 p.m. Check the school office or St. Paul website for additions or changes to the schedule. We have many programs going on throughout the school year that earn money for St. Paul: Box-Tops for Education, can tabs, Lays and Campbell soup labels, drink pouches, ink cartridges, SCRIP, Meijer and Kroger programs as well as gift cards for Central Shop-Rite, Meijer and Marathon gas stations (Bo’s is now a Marathon station). We are no longer collecting Shop-Rite receipts, but do have gift cards that earn St. Paul 5%. See the school office for more information.

Philippians 2:10

412 Youth Ministry January Events “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example

for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1st

Timothy 4:12

High School Ministry

Bible Study Series – Music in Ministry

- In this series, we will be watching/listening to some of the new and popular Christian songs and

Mainstream music that are out now, discussing the various themes and diving into God’s Word and

discussing how to apply these lessons to our lives.

Sunday, January 6th

6:30-8:30pm

Youth Night

Artist: Switchfoot

Song: Dark Horses

God can use us for great things, no matter what and especially when we feel insignificant. We will

discuss the ways to remember this for times when we need it most and when we don’t feel like it.

Sunday, January 13th

6:30-8:30pm

Youth Night

Artist: MercyMe

Song: To Whom It May Concern

How we can relate to our peers and help each other across the pits of life and seeking God in all we say

and do.

Sunday, January 20th

6:30-8:30pm

Youth Night

Artist: Fun

Song: Some Nights

Sometimes we think we know what we want in life, but when we get it we find it is not what we hoped

it would be. God gives us all that we need.

Sunday, January 27th

6:30-8:30pm

Youth Night

Artist: Neon Trees

Song: Everybody Talks

Lies and rumors are very damaging to people and relationships. Jesus says to speak the truth and to

follow Him is to rise from the mud hole and seek to speak words of love.

Youth News

2013

St. Paul Lutheran Church & School Talent Survey

Please take some time out and check any of the areas that you would be interested/have skills

in and would like to help serve our church and school.

Please return for to either the Church or School office.

Name____________________________ Contact # (home, cell)__________________________

� Audio/Video - CD Duplication

� Audio/Video – Screen Tech (running

screen for Worship Services)

� Audio/Video – Sound Board

� Boards – Christian Education

� Boards – Elders

� Boards – Evangelism

� Boards – Fellowship & Youth

� Boards – Finance

� Boards – Social Concerns

� Boards – Stewardship

� Boards – Trustees

� Committee – Building

� Committee – Historical

� Committee – Memorials

� Committee – Trust & Investment

� Facility – Church Cleaning

� Facility – School Cleaning

� Facility – Electrical Repairs

� Facility – Excavation

� Facility – Planting Flowers

� Facility – Weeding Flower Beds

� Facility – Lawn Mowing

� Facility – Plumbing Repairs

� Facility – Snow Removal w/Plow

� Facility – Snow Removal w/Shovel

� Facility – Upkeep of Softball

Diamond

� Ministry – Assisting/Visiting the

Ill/Shut-ins/Hospital Visits

� Ministry – Children’s Babysitting

(A.I.C. classes, Zumba, Bible studies,

etc.)

� Ministry – Bereavement & Follow-up

� Ministry – Cards/Phone Calls

� Ministry – Chancel Dramas/Plays

� Ministry – Christian Care Committee

� Ministry – Church Nursery

� Ministry – Dorcas LWIM

� Ministry – Family Ministry Event

Volunteer

� Ministry – Funeral Luncheon Food

Preparation

� Ministry – Funeral Luncheon Helper

� Ministry – Prayer Chain

� Ministry – Prison Ministry

� Ministry – Providing transportation

to worship services

� Ministry – Puppet Ministry

� Ministry – Sonshine Club

� Ministry – Small Group Bible Study

Leader

� Ministry – Stephen Ministry

� Ministry – Sunday School

Superintendent

� Ministry – Sunday School Teacher

� Ministry – VBS - Coordinator

� Ministry – VBS- Classroom Helper

� Ministry – VBS – Crafts

� Ministry – VBS – Kitchen Help

� Ministry – VBS – Music Leader

� Ministry – VBS - Snacks

� Ministry – VBS – Teacher

� Missions – Short Term Mission Trips

� Music – Brass Ensemble

� Music – Church Band

� Music – Church Choir

� Music – Handbells

� Music – Praise Team

� Music – Musicians

� Music – Singing

� Office Helper – Data Entry

� Office Helper – Mailings

� Office Helper – Putting together the

Monthly Newsletter

� Office Helper – Putting together the

Church Bulletin

� Office Helper – Typing

� Publicity – Photographs at Church

and School Events

� Servants – Altar Guild

� Servants – Count Offerings after

Services

� Servants – Greeters

� Servants – Sextons

� Servants – Ushers

� School – Assist in Classroom

� School – Library

� School – Athletics – Working

Concession Stand

� School – Athletics – Working Gate @

Athletic Events

� School – Athletics – Cleaning Up

after Athletic Events

� School – Coaching – Boy’s Soccer

� School – Coaching – Boy’s Basketball

� School – Coaching – Boy’s Volleyball

� School – Coaching – Girl’s Volleyball

� School – Coaching – Girl’s Basketball

� School – Coaching – Girl’s Soccer

� School – Coaching – Cheerleading

� School – Coaching – Track & Field

� Youth – Soup Supper Food

Preparation

� Youth – Soup Supper Kitchen Helper

� Youth – Event Helper/Chaperone

(must be 20 years or older)

� Youth – Provide Transportation to

Events

January 2013 SUN MON TUE WED THURS FRI SAT

**Notes**

9:45AM Sunday School

Bible Study

1 New Year’s Day

No Services

Offices Closed

2 School Resumes 9-11AM Storyhour

6:30 Worship Team

6:53PM Choir 7PM Council

3

��

6:15PM Praise Team

4 5 7:30AM Men’s Bible Study

8AM Zumba

7:30PM Worship

6 Epiphany 8:30AM Worship +C

Church Choir

9:45AM New Member

Welcome / Servant Celebration

**9:45AM See Notes**

11AM Worship Church Choir

Adult Confirmation 6:30PM Youth

7

7PM Handbells

7PM Public School

Confirmation

7PM Stephen Ministry Training

8 9-11AM Storyhour

1-3PM Quilting

6:15PM Zumba

7:30PM AA

9 9-11AM Storyhour

2:30PM Dorcas Planning Meeting

6:30 Worship Team

6:53PM Choir

10

�� 6:15PM Praise

Team

11 St. Paul hosts Breakfast Club

at MHS at 7AM

6-9PM Treasure Principle Seminar

12 8AM Zumba

9AM-7PM Scrapbooking

2-5PM Treasure Principle Seminar

7:30PM Worship +C

13 8:30AM Worship

Handbells

Officer Installation

**9:45AM See Notes**

11AM Worship+C Handbells

6:30PM Youth

14

7PM Handbells

7PM Stephen Ministry

Training/Supervision

7PM Public School Confirmation

15 9-11AM Storyhour

1-3PM Quilting

6:15PM Zumba

6:30PM Evangelism

7:30PM AA

16 9-11AM Storyhour

6:30 Worship Team

6:53PM Choir

17

��

6:15PM Praise

Team

7PM PTL Meeting

18 ½ Day School

Messenger Deadline

19 8AM Zumba

7:30PM Worship

20 8:30AM Worship+C

Church Choir

**9:45AM See Notes**

11AM Contemporary

Worship

1:30PM October Baby Movie

6:30PM Youth

7PM Trustees

21 No School

7PM Handbells

7PM Public School Confirmation

7PM Stephen

Ministry Training

22 9-11AM Storyhour

1-3PM Quilting

6:15PM Zumba

7:30AA

23 9-11 Storyhour

6:30 Worship Team

6:53PM Choir

7:30PM Elders

24

6PM Family Faith

Night

�� 6:15PM Praise

Team

25

26 8AM Zumba

7:30PM Worship +C

27 8:30AM Worship

9:30AM Christian Care

**9:45AM See Notes**

11AM Contemporary

Worship+C

11AM-2:30PM Fish Fry 6:30PM Youth

28 7PM

Handbells

7PM Stephen

Ministry Training/Supervision

7PM Public School Confirmation

29 9-11AM Storyhour

1-3PM Quilting

6:15PM Zumba

7:30PM AA

30 9-11AM Storyhour

6:30 Worship Team

6:53PM Choir

31

��

6:15PM Praise Team

10PM-8AM Jr. High Lock-In

Lutheran School’s Week